Arizona mentors support homeless kids

When people think of homelessness in Arizona, what often comes to mind is the guy on the corner holding a sign as you're driving off a freeway ramp.

But Linda Lyman, president and CEO of Greater Phoenix Youth at Risk, says the reality is much broader.

"The face of homelessness in our community is single parents with children," Lyman said.

Many kids from such families have parents who have suffered domestic violence, run-ins with the law, drug problems or lost jobs because of the economy, Lyman said. That population has grown more than 340 percent in Maricopa County in recent years, she said, and the Positive Adult Leaders in Society program through Greater Phoenix Youth at Risk exists to make life a little easier for some of those kids.

Greater Phoenix Youth at Risk is just one of over 130 agencies supported by the annual Season for Sharing campaign. Last year, the campaign raised about $2.86 million to assist Arizonans in need.

PALS matches homeless youngsters ages 5 to 14 with a caring adult who agrees to meet with the child for one hour a week for one year.

Mentors provide structure and help kids to maintain or improve grades at school.

Mentors also show kids that there is "life outside of the homeless shelter" through outings to the zoo or lunches at restaurants that don't have drive-through windows.

"My little guy knows how to set the table now," said Lyman, who mentors a 9-year-old. "He knows how to ride a bike now, because before, he hadn't lived anywhere where there was a bike."

Nearly 300 have been mentored through PALS since it started in 1995, Lyman said.

This past weekend, PALS mentor Russell Halliday took 12-year-old Keith Kristoff to lunch before heading to a Brazilian martial arts and dance show in Scottsdale.

"I don't have anything to do in my apartment and no kids live here," said Keith, whose dad passed away in 2007. "I like to go out with him (Halliday) and we can do fun stuff."

Halliday, who has two kids of his own, said time with Keith allows Halliday a better understanding of the community and help others.

Keith said he looked forward to their outings, which have included bowling, a visit to the Desert Botanical Garden and a trip to Collins College to learn more about animation - Keith likes to draw.

Beverly Bracey, Keith's mother, said her son became angry, shy and withdrawn after his father died.

"There was something missing," Bracey said. "The man part wasn't there any more."

But Halliday's presence has been a "breakthrough" for her son, Bracey said.

"Keith can talk to Russell and the shyness is starting to go away," she said. "He's starting to be able to trust a guy again."

Lyman said that sometimes activities can be as simple as going for a walk or reading a book together. Mentors can choose to meet with a child whenever it is convenient and for as long as they choose.

"In as little as an hour a week, you can change a child's life," Lyman said.

Russell Halliday of Scottsdale is a mentor for Keith Kristoff, 12, of Tempe, as part of the PALS program through Greater Phoenix Youth at Risk.

More on this topic

Who is helped?

Last year, 133 agencies received about $2.86 million to help Arizona's children and families, the elderly, victims of domestic violence, and literacy and education programs. Since 1993, when the campaign began, nearly $44 million has been raised and distributed.

Where does the money go?

All of it goes directly to non-profit agencies in the Valley and state. All fundraising overhead costs are paid by The Arizona Republic and 12 News.

How do my dollars help?

Gannett Foundation will match donations 50 cents on the dollar until donations reach $800,000. That is an extra $400,000 to local agencies. If you donate $50, it becomes a $75 contribution.

Who makes this possible?

The Arizona Republic, 12 News, the Gannett Foundation and our new community partner, the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. Season for Sharing is a donor-advised fund of the Arizona Community Foundation.

How can I donate?

Go to sharing.azcentral.com or use the coupon on Page A2 of the newspaper and mail your donation to Season for Sharing, P.O. Box 29616, Phoenix, AZ 85038-9616.